Washington State Historic Preservation Officer Dr. Allyson Brooks is launching a statewide effort to gain ideas and comments from the public for an updated state historic preservation plan. The current plan lapses in spring 2019 and can be viewed online at www.dahp.wa.gov/preservationplan. The plan outlines the goals and tasks necessary to preserve archaeological sites, buildings, districts, and landscapes that captures Washington’s rich and diverse heritage.

In making the announcement, Dr. Brooks stated: “Our state’s preservation plan is updated every five years. Washington is experiencing dramatic change and the plan’s goals should address the state’s population growth, development patterns, advances in technology, and changing demographics.” She also notes that people in all parts of Washington are expressing their appreciation and concern for saving historic places. The plan takes into account the perspective of tribes and others such as Latino, African-American, and Asian-American communities that left an imprint on the state’s landscape.
To gain public input for the preservation planning process, the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) posted an on-line questionnaire at www.dahp.wa.gov/preservationplan. The questionnaire is designed to gauge public interest in preservation activities and determine what current statewide issues are affecting historic places which should become the priority for the plan to address. The agency is also hosting public and focus group meetings to obtain public input.